NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Volvo VNL Recalls & Complaints

The 2016 Volvo VNL has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 12 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volvo dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Volvo VNL. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2016 Volvo VNL owner complaints

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volvo VNL, describing incidents dated December 28, 2015 to February 2, 2019.

Most-cited components

Power Train 7 complaints
Service Brakes 2 complaints
Suspension 2 complaints
Steering 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint
Unknown or Other 1 complaint

Of the 12 complaints on file, 2 report a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11220825 · Filed June 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL630. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ARRIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WITH A REAR DRIVESHAFT THAT WAS NOT CALIBRATED. THE DRIVESHAFT WAS THREE TIMES OVER THE MAXIMUM SPECIFICATIONS WHERE THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVESHAFT WERE ATTACHED. THE FAILURE IN MANUFACTURING…
ODI #11192711 · Filed March 31, 2019
FRONT WHEELS LOOSE FROM FACTOR AND DEALER DIDN'T CHECK, TIRES PSI 1/2 WHAT SHOULD BEEN , DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE . DAMAGE THE TRUCK MORE .I KNOW OF ABOUT 20 OF THESE TRUCK WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM . DEALER AND FACTOR WONT FIX/ THIS IS NOT SAFE
ODI #11192317 · Filed March 28, 2019
VOLVO AND MACK DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE. I SHOWED MY DR. MY VIDEO OF MY TRUCK SHAKING. HE SAID YOU MIT AS WILL BE D W I

Read all 12 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 Volvo VNL in 2 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Audit Query AQ18-005: Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting
Closed August 4, 2023
Defect Petition DP15-006: Ride Quality
Closed April 8, 2016

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel Line may Burst if Filter Screen Clogs

NHTSA #18V668000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported September 25, 2018 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 3,705 vehicles

Repair completion: 70.12% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1802 · Owners notified November 21, 2018 · Vehicles built December 4, 2015 – July 26, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.

Safety consequence

If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Tie Rod may Loosen

NHTSA #17V536000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported August 29, 2017 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 470 vehicles

Repair completion: 73.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1702 · Owners notified October 17, 2017 · Vehicles built March 20, 2015 – June 30, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.

Safety consequence

If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1702.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake System Contamination Due to Oil and Water

NHTSA #16V928000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice

Reported December 22, 2016 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 5,547 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1608 · Owners notified February 16, 2017 · Vehicles built April 11, 2012 – September 27, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.

Safety consequence

If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1608.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Ball Joints may Fail due to Corrosion

NHTSA #16V095000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Upper Ball Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported February 19, 2016 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 2,053 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.12% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1601 · Owners notified April 21, 2016 · Vehicles built January 2, 2015 – November 6, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with USK non-greasable drag links that may experience corrosion of the ball joints due to the seals being compromised, possibly resulting in accelerated wear and failure of the ball joint.

Safety consequence

Failure of the ball joint may cause separation of the socket and a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1601. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall 15V-651.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering Shaft May Disconnect from Junction Box

NHTSA #16V097000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported February 17, 2016 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 18,116 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1602/RVXX1603 · Owners notified May 13, 2016 · Vehicles built May 11, 2015 – April 18, 2016 (per NHTSA)

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Volvo dealer immediately.

Defect description

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 VNL, VNX, and VNM trucks manufactured from May 11, 2015, through April 18, 2016. The trucks may have been manufactured without a roll pin on the steering shafts. If the roll pin is missing, the lower steering shaft may disconnect from the junction block. Also, the bolt connecting the upper steering shaft to the lower steering shaft may not have been properly tightened. Either condition can lead to separation of the steering shaft.

Safety consequence

Separation of the steering shaft will result in complete loss of steering which may lead to a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volvo is strongly recommending that the affected vehicles not be driven until the interim remedy is applied. An interim notice was sent to Volvo owners on March 16, 2016, and an interim repair is available now. A second notice was mailed on May 13, 2016. The final remedy is now available. Both remedies are free of charge. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-877-800-4945 opt #1. Volvo's recall numbers for this campaign are RVXX1602 and RVXX1603. This recall supersedes safety recall 15V-786.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Internal Rubber Diaphragm Incomplete Attachment

NHTSA #15V026000 · Parking Brake — Driveline — Hydraulic — Actuator · NHTSA notice

Reported January 22, 2015 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 170 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.65% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign RVXX1501 · Owners notified March 20, 2015 · Vehicles built May 20, 2014 – March 6, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 and 2016 VNX and VNL trucks manufactured from May 20, 2014, through March 6, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured January 9, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected actuators may have an incomplete attachment of the internal rubber diaphragm to the actuation mechanism of the parking brake section of the Life Seal actuator.

Safety consequence

If the diaphragm is not completely attached, there may be internal leakage from the service section past the diaphragm, potentially trapping air pressure in the parking brake section. This air pressure in turn, if not vented, may prevent full release of the actuator unit, and may induce brake drag and may result in overheated wheelend service brakes, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator and replace, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1501.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2016 Volvo VNL. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

12 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Volvo VNL.

Power Train

ODI #11220825

Incident: March 11, 2016 · Filed: June 18, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL630. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ARRIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WITH A REAR DRIVESHAFT THAT WAS NOT CALIBRATED. THE DRIVESHAFT WAS THREE TIMES OVER THE MAXIMUM SPECIFICATIONS WHERE THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVESHAFT WERE ATTACHED. THE FAILURE IN MANUFACTURING CAUSED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF VIBRATION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED. CIT TRUCKS (LOCATED AT 3440 GATLIN DR, SPRINGFIELD, IL 62707, (217) 544-5300) AS WELL AS SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Power Train; Wheels

ODI #11192711

Crash

Incident: March 11, 2016 · Filed: March 31, 2019

FRONT WHEELS LOOSE FROM FACTOR AND DEALER DIDN'T CHECK, TIRES PSI 1/2 WHAT SHOULD BEEN , DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE . DAMAGE THE TRUCK MORE .I KNOW OF ABOUT 20 OF THESE TRUCK WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM . DEALER AND FACTOR WONT FIX/ THIS IS NOT SAFE

Power Train

ODI #11192317

Crash

Incident: February 2, 2019 · Filed: March 28, 2019

VOLVO AND MACK DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE. I SHOWED MY DR. MY VIDEO OF MY TRUCK SHAKING. HE SAID YOU MIT AS WILL BE D W I

Power Train

ODI #11121647

Incident: March 15, 2016 · Filed: August 22, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL SEMI-TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. A SERIES OF INDEPENDENT MECHANICS CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT WAS LOOSE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. VOMAC SALES AND SERVICE MACK (5556 EAST MARGARET DRIVE, TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA 47803, (812) 233-6406) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. *TT

Power Train

ODI #11057890

Incident: November 4, 2017 · Filed: January 1, 2018

MY STUPID DEALER CIT TRUCKS COULD NOT FIND Y MY TRUCK WAS SHAKING SO THEY PLAYED WITH TRANSMISSION PROGRAMING ITS AN I SHIFT NO CLUTCH PEDDLE . STONINGTON IL. GOT FUEL AT F.S. COMING BACK CROSS RAIL ROAD TRACKS AND TRIED TO STOP FOR RT 48 . THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE .THIS THE 4 TIME .

Power Train

ODI #11057886

Incident: April 5, 2016 · Filed: January 1, 2018

NEW VOLVO TRUCK MID MARCH 2016 IT HAD A SHAKE THAT GOT WORSE . MY DEALER CIT TRUCKS WAS TO STUPID FIND THE PROBLEM. ANTHER DEALER LOOK AT IT. THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS OUT OF PHASE BUT HOW AFTER ALMOST 80000 MILES THE REAR ENDS ARE GOING OUT . MY TRUCK IS NOT THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE . VIDEOS CAN BE SEEN AT YOU TUBE- VOLVO SHAKES AND VOLVO TRUCK SHAKES

Suspension; Power Train

ODI #11005545

Incident: March 14, 2016 · Filed: July 16, 2017

VOLVO AND MACK TRUCKS DRIVE SHAFTS OUT OF PHASE. MAKING IT SHAKE AND EAT UP TIRES AND WEAR TRUCK OUT SHOULD BE RECALLED

Suspension; Unknown or Other

ODI #10899068

Incident: August 22, 2016 · Filed: August 28, 2016

MY NEW VOLVO TRUCK SHAKES AND STARTING TO HOP R JUMP 30K MILES HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/EU119G9VYCU

Structure

ODI #10864781

Incident: March 2, 2016 · Filed: May 13, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CAB WOULD SWAY BACK AND FORTH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAN TO THE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAB BUSHINGS WERE AND CAB NEEDED TO BE LEVELED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Service Brakes

ODI #10853489

Incident: January 10, 2016 · Filed: April 5, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CONTACT FELT AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT, ESPECIALLY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE BRAKE DRUMS WERE CHANGED, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Other Volvo VNL model years

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